How God Provides the Best Refuge for Our Soul
She flew away as her wings took flight when I opened our front door. Inside the edge of my wreath, I found the beginnings of her nest. I realized our constant door activity was a risk to any eggs she’d lay and their refuge.
So I acted quickly in taking my wreath down to force this mama bird to build her home elsewhere.
A few days later, high on the River Birch branch inside our courtyard, I spotted a newly built nest.
I imagined her nesting, then caring for her babies through feeding and protecting them as a refuge from storms and predators.
Life has a way of weighing heavy on our soul. But God provides a secure refuge with the rest and renewal we need most.
Life has a way of weighing heavy on our soul. But God provides a secure refuge with the rest and renewal we need most. Click To TweetLook at Jesus’s words in Matthew 23.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Verses 37, ESV)
Our redeemer wants to gather us under His wings—if we are willing. Then these blessings follow.
Refuge Under God’s Wings
Like the hen gathers her brood to protect them from harm, the Lord’s wings provide protection and security during stormy seasons and the enemy’s harmful intent.
Psalm 91 describes our refuge.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Verses 1-2, ESV)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV) Click To Tweet“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 (ESV)
My research uncovered an astounding and comforting discovery.
Pinions make up the outer part of a bird’s wing, including the flight feathers (Google). Birds are unable to take flight while covering their babies. It simply is impossible.
Dark and turbulent storms often hit close to home in our lives. We lose a loved one or a job, illness strikes, our child turns wayward, our marriage is in trouble, or our dreams go unmet.
Yet, the Lord never leaves us, never flies off during threatening times. And He never forsakes us. We remain secure under His wings.
David knew this security in Psalm 57.
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Verse 1, ESV)
David prayed as he hid in a cave, fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill him. The cave wasn’t his refuge, but the shadow of the Almighty’s wings.
God’s Refuge Brings Rest
We often fail to take a break from the busyness that leads to burnout, and this depletes our soul of joy. Our weary bodies and hearts, our what-if’s, and our anxious thoughts all contribute to this breaking point.
“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Psalm 63:7 (ESV)
To rest is an intentional position of the heart. Just like the sound of morning birds chirping in the morning sun, our joy is found in the Son.
The end result of resting under the refuge of His wings? Joy!
God Renews Us
Merriam-Webster defines renew as, “to make (something) new, fresh, or strong again.”
The heavenly Father restores us and makes us strong. And after each renewing under the refuge of His wings, we are ready to take flight and soar—until the next renewing season.
The heavenly Father restores us and makes us strong. And after each renewing under the refuge of His wings, we are ready to take flight and soar—until the next renewing season. Click To Tweet“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31a (ESV)
Let’s resolve to remain under the refuge of God’s wings for rest and renewal for our soul.
I’m nestled there now. Are you?
Featured images courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.
Last week’s article, An Authentic Gospel in an Artificial World.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
Inspire Me Monday/Tell His Story/Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).
© 2024 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
We have several bird feeders in our yard and I love to watch my feathered friends each day. Picturing God keeping us safe under his wings has always provided me with so much peace. Thanks for sharing this beautiful message Karen.
Yvonne, that’s wonderful. It is amazing imagery to watch birds and be confifent of how the Lord tenderly cares for us, His children. God bless!
Under His protective wings, I’ve truly taken refuge over this last week, Karen. I tried to contact as many folks as I could under the circumstances, but I think you were left out of the loop. We were at St. Simon’s Island to attend a memorial service for my SIL’s mother when Danny’s pacemaker went crazy, 911 crazy. He was taken to the local hospital and underwent tests and a replacement of his device. Praise the Lord, all went well and we are all home now, thanks to his sons driving down for their father and bringing us all back. Amidst all the chaos, I literally felt surrounded by God’s presence and peace. To say He’s a good, good Father is the understatement of the year. I am so grateful and we are all blessed.
Blessings to you, dear friend!
Martha, I’m sorry to hear this about Danny and what you both went through. I read your recent blog post, so grateful that all turned out well and the Lord kept you & Danny under the shelter of His wings, a place of refuge and protection. Praise the Lord! God bless!
We are truly blessed that our heavenly Father cares for us and loves us, providing us TRUE rest and refuge. No matter what the world brings, God takes care of us. Thank you for this!
Thank you, Jessica. It is a true blessing. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
Finding refuge in God brings peace and rest. Thank you for this beautiful message. Have a blessed day!
It’s the peace and rest we need most, isn’t it! We remain secure under His wings.
Pray persistently
“Do not give up.” These are the words every weary marathon runner, every exhausted parent, and every weary heart needs to hear. It takes courage to start a project, but often it takes even more courage to persist when we’re stuck in the middle and not sure we’ll make it to the end.
In Luke 18, Jesus taught the parable of the persistent widow. Through this story, Jesus teaches us how to pray with perseverance, because he knows how easy it is to get tired and discouraged. He shows us that tirelessly bringing our needs and concerns to God is not a nagging or an irritation to Him, but rather a sign of faithful trust in Him.
Are you tired of praying for something? A relief from some hardships? Saving a loved one? Justice, peace or liberation? Imagine Jesus himself standing on the sidelines of this long, long race and whispering to you, “Don’t stop talking to me about this.”
There are some prayers that God will answer immediately, while others may take days, weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. Although it may seem that those requests have been forgotten or denied, the challenge that Jesus gives us is this: If He returned right now, would we still trust in His faithfulness?
Will you give Him your praise, gratitude, trust, and needs today and every day to come? He is faithful and just and will not leave your request unanswered.
Thank you for your words, David. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 (ESV)
I’m constantly amazed and the ways Satan tries to counterfeit ways for humans to seek rest. We know we need it, we know to seek it, but many (including me at one point in my life) are so distracted by the world that they seek counterfeits (drugs, alcohol, wrong relationships, etc.) because it appears to be the fast and easy choice. In reality, it only makes any situation worse. Real rest for our souls can only be found in one place. Amen Ms. Karen. Amen!
That’s true for all of us, J.D. The world’s counterfeits never provide the long-lasting satisfaction our souls need in the way of rest and renewal. But oh the Lord, “For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Psalm 63:7 (ESV)
We fly high because of His protection. Wonderful post, Karen. God bless!
Amen, Nancy! Thank you! I’m so grateful that although life has a way of weighing heavy on our soul, God provides a secure refuge with the rest and renewal we need most.
Your message is so uplifting, Karen! I have always loved this Scriptures and Scriptural images. God’s tender loving care for us is evident in all the common graces and blessings He pours out upon us daily with abundance. But to imagine His Almighty arms/wings sheltering me bring such comfort. Thank you for this message of hope and assurance!
Glad this spoke to you, Melissa. I’ve loved Psalm 91 for years and always find it so comforting that the Lord cares for us and shelters in under His wings for refuge, renewal, and rest. God bless.
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